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www.mybaycity.com February 10, 2013
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An evening with the Verlanders at the ball field. (MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)

An Evening With The Verlanders

Richard & Kathy Verlander share their journeys - Rocks Across the Pond

February 10, 2013       Leave a Comment
By: John Keuvelaar

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So often we wonder what the path to the big leagues was like for certain athletes. Monday night at the Dow Diamond, Richard and Kathy Verlander gave you a peek into, at least, their journey with their son, Justin. But the night was not about trophies and honors, stats and accomplishments. It was more about the journey from being a boy to a man and the people and events that helped make it happen along the way.


Stage was set for fans to purchase the book.
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)


Their book, Rocks Across the Pond, is about that journey.


This fan couldn't wait to get right into reading about Justin Verlander.
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)

The message Richard and Kathy Verlander carry to parents and young people alike is about "Striving for your Dreams" and overcoming obstacles along the way

. The Verlanders set the stage for their message by showing the video: Standing in the Hall of Fame'a video to a song depicting two young people's efforts to succeed in their own personal dreams. This video was followed with stories of their son's childhood and the people who helped shape their two boys.


Richard signs their book while Kathy Verlander engages a fan.
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)

The Verlanders sincerely enjoyed conversing with everyone.
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)


Many of the stories rang home for most of those in attendance. Chapters like "It takes a village to raise a ballplayer," "Naysayers and Overcoming Negatives" and "Pinch Me Moments" were all topics of discussion with humor and humility.

The evening also shed light on the well grounded humility of Justin the ballplayer as well. We learned that on days that Justin pitches, he donates his suite to Veterans and their families who have suffered catastrophic injuries during the wars. This was something Justin did, without fanfare or the knowledge of the Tigers. Like anything, the Tigers found out and some fanfare was noted. Other stories abound including Justin taking time to spend a day with an 11 year old girl who had cystic fibrosis and had been sending letters to him frequently.


The book is clearly about dreams and memories for all.
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)


The Verlanders have been traveling the state spreading their message through these events and book signings with proceeds from each event going to help support local charities in these areas. Monday's event supported the Jayden Lamb Memorial Foundation. This was followed by a Tuesday evening Book Signing at the Stadium in Bay City with apart of the proceeds going to support the Bay City Little League.


Richard Verlander talks about special moments in the book.
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)

Kathy Verlander adds her perspective to those special moments when the boys, Justin and Ben, were growing up.
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)

Kathy and Richard then joined together for questions from the audience.
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)

It was clear that this was more than just a walk down memory lane for them. It was about sharing their experiences in hopes it will inspire others to pursue their dreams whatever they may be.
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)


Richard and Kathy's warmth, grace and message left everyone knowing why Justin is such a special ballplayer. Special, not because he can blow batters away with 100 mph fastballs, but that he touches so many lives with his kindness and humility. It makes me even prouder that he is a Tiger. Of course the fastball doesn't hurt.


Even in a photo, you can feel the Justin stare and focus.
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)

The snow covered field was a stark reminder that our Field of Dreams is yet a few months away.
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)


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John Keuvelaar

John Keuvelaar is a college student at Midwest Photography Workshops and Delta College.

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